A talent that was discovered years ago in Marondera has blossomed into a budding career as a fashion designer for Talent Tumba, better known as Tripple Tee.
Our first encounter with Tripple Tee was in September 2024, at Miss WUA. The young designer had secured a contract to style and dress the pageant’s contestants. In the three years that Mcheno and More has been in existence, we have come across so many fly-by-night names and brands — budding stars that ended up quitting or pivoting into something else.
Therefore, our initial reluctance to do a Tripple Tee feature article can be forgiven. To his credit, Tripple Tee’s trajectory from that Miss WUA night has been quite a wonder to witness.
Born and raised in Marondera, Tripple Tee has his grandmother to thank for igniting his passion for fashion. He has spent the past seven years quietly building his denim design brand, but he is increasingly becoming harder to ignore.
Having recently graduated, and now based in Harare, he is ready to etch out a name for himself as one of Harare’s finest denim designers.
A month before his twenty fourth birthday, we finally decided to sit down with Tripple Tee and find out what makes him tick. The following is an excerpt from the insightful conversation where Tripple Tee let us in on his past, his present; and his perspective. Enjoy!
Hie Talent, thank you for letting us sit down with you and document your story!
Well, I should be thanking you for such an opportunity!
First off, can you introduce yourself and your brand?
My full name is Talent Tinotenda Tumba and my brand name is Tripple Tee Icon Clothing. The name is derived from my names, which all start with the letter T.
Let’s talk about Tripple Tee. When was it founded, and what does it specialise in?
Tripple Tee was introduced in 2018. Initially, the main aim was to recycle pre-loved denims, turning them into something fashionable and artistic.
I consider myself as more of an artist, rather than a designer. I create my pieces knowing that one’s denims tell a story, and I weave that story into every stitch and every fold. My denim pieces are designed to be functional yet beautiful, comfortable yet innovative.
Can you briefly tell us how the brand started out?
Most people don’t know this, but Tripple Tee actually started out in Marondera. My biggest inspiration to start and continue the brand was and will always be my late granny, Rachel Makwara. She was a Pastor and a tailor, so she used to make church uniforms for some of her church members.
Sometimes I would visit her during school holidays and she would wake me up at 2am to help her with some stitching. Imagine (laughs).
At first I actually used to hate it, but as time went on, I ended up enjoying the sewing process. Sometimes I would practice other skills alone using YouTube.
Over time, with motivation from my family and friends, I gained confidence in my skills. I would pay attention to every detail and use a range of techniques to produce distinctive finishes, making every Tripple Tee piece unique.
Looking back, do you think your granny was trying to teach you life skills by waking you up at 2am to sew?
Yeah, sometimes I feel that way. She actually wanted to teach me that night time or early morning is the right time for meditation, hence I was supposed to adjust. It actually worked because most of the times I’m super-creative at night.
I think she also wanted me to master the spiritual art of prayer, because 2am is also the perfect time for that connection with God.
What would you say to your granny right now, if she was alive?
I would thank her for making me more like her.
You started out as an upcycler, but recently we’ve seen some Tripple Tee original designs. What still takes the crown for you, and how has been the transition to making designs from scratch?
Actually, I still prefer upcycling. This is because sometimes the rightful owner of the design might be impressed by the changes, and you might get recognition. However, you might also get sued. (laughs).
The change made me recognize my full potential, and it has boosted my creativity. I’m no longer scared of trying new things due to the fact that there is nothing that can limit my creativity. Original designs have also helped me master the art of putting my thoughts to an outfit.
You recently opened a shop in Harare CBD. Tell us more about that.
Yes, I’m now located at Chiyedza House along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, right at The Parkade. My shop is in the basement, because you know, you gotta start from the bottom (laughs).
The spot is more than just a shop — it’s my tailoring workshop, it’s my office, and I also sell pre-loved clothes that align with the Tripple Tee aesthetic.
Having a shop in Harare was always one of my dreams, hence I worked for that till I earned one. Harare is the capital, it’s the center of attraction. Once I conquer Harare, I know I have conquered Zimbabwe.
You moved to Harare in 2022. The move from Marondera to the capital, how important was it for the growth of the brand?
It was essential, because it made me get closer to my inspirations and other designers since most of them are based in Harare.
The move proved to me that as long as you craft your items wholeheartedly, you can be accommodated everywhere.
Do you like the direction Tripple Tee is heading?
I’m actually liking where my brand is heading and where I am right now. I always tell myself that slow motion is better than no motion, as long as God is in it either way it will work.
Despite the fact that there are many designers in Zimbabwe, my use of art in tailoring has made me the first preference for some people.
We’ve seen quite a number of influencers rocking some one-of-one Tripple Tee pieces. Why choose that as a strategy for your brand?
My main reason for dressing influencers is to increase brand visibility and brand association. It’s about creating a relationship with potential customers as well as building the brand’s credibility.
Endorsements from influencers and celebrities can lead to long term partnerships that further solidify the brand’s reputation. Ultimately, the collaboration should help the brand stand out in a crowded market.
Come to think of it, we’ve never seen a Tripple Tee collection in these streets. Why?
Actually, I did drop something last year. I released two collections — DISTORTION and REVENGE. I’d say the releases weren’t as successful, but I might bring the designs back sometime this year.
Honestly, I barely think about dropping collections. I prefer releasing single items and naming them because my mind is always packed with a lot of artistic ideas.
Has your work ever been on a runway?
Yes. Last year, I featured on the Fashion Fiesta runway.
Back to influencers and celebrities. Which are some notable figures you have dressed so far?
It’s quite a list, but here’s a few:
- Bagga
- Kayflow
- Natasha Muz
- Chief Ben
- Tocky Vibes
- Gangsta Made it
- Runna Rulez
- Mr Attention
- Pretty Gangsta
- Kim Makumbe
- Chido Machanzi
What’s been your favourite Tripple Tee piece so far?
It has to be the Denim Named Sweaters. Bagga’s NAMA outfit is a close second.
Fashion faces intense competition from the boutiques and thrift stores. How are you managing to stay competitive in such a cutthroat industry?
I believe that people don’t buy clothes, they buy the efforts and process. Most of my clients really appreciate the way I craft my items and the level of creativity.
In such a harsh economy, how are you managing to stay afloat?
Being humble, that’s been my key to survival and success. It’s important to have good communication skills because some people buy and some just appreciate. There is a huge difference.
Those who appreciate you can help you in so many ways, be it financially or socially in terms of feeding you with business ideas. That’s why in hotels or restaurants, some waiters gets tips and some just don’t.
Let’s talk collaborations. What are you working on, and who would you like to work with going forward?
Right now, I am working with my friend Kelvin Drae who owns a thrift resale brand called Trendy Treasures. This collaboration is helping me grow numbers, since I’m now able to combine my designs with thrift wear, something that is in high demand at the moment.
Locally, I’m looking forward to collaborating with Ric Chasers, Corropt , ROZEBOWL and others I’m not at liberty to mention at the moment.
What’s Tripple Tee’s 2025 looking like?
As long as God still works in my mind, I’m promising you some innovative, unseen outfits; work that I’d want to inspire others who might want to be like me.
Just one more request before we finish our conversation?
Go ahead bro.
That’s easy, obviously we want to see Tripple Tee on the runway this year!
(Laughs) I also want to see myself there too, so let’s all keep our fingers crossed!
{End of excerpt}
He might not be Harare’s hottest denim designer yet, but Tripple Tee is well on his way. That’s why we dub him “the Fresh Prince of Denim design” in Harare.
His talent, humility, and work ethic has taken him from a boy in Marondera to the go-to designer for some of Zimbabwe’s biggest young celebrities. If he stays on this path, with the same vision; he’ll become a legend in the game.
But not that he’s paying attention to all that. Talent is just trying to do justice to his humble beginnings in Marondera, and make his grandmother proud.
Visit the Tripple Tee Icon Clothing shop at Chiyedza House along Kwame Nkrumah Avenue. You can also stay updated on the brand on Instagram. Want your own custom Tripple Tee piece? Reach out to the Fresh Prince himself on Whatsapp.
